How to Shop for Rare Vinyl Records That Could Be Worth Serious Money

Vinyl records are back, and they might be bigger than ever. Cassette tapes, CDs, and digital music once made vinyl fade into the background, but these records have reemerged as one of the most enduring ways for music lovers to own their favorite songs. There’s just no topping the medium's warm sound, which can’t be replicated by digital music.

Record collecting has become an increasingly popular hobby over the years. Some are rarer than others, and finding a valuable one can feel like winning the lottery. Here, we asked the pros to share their tips on how to shop for rare vinyl, including their favorite places to search for the most sought-after titles.

Have Patience

Building a collection of rare, unique, and special records is a marathon, not a sprint, which means patience is key. This is doubly true when it comes to how much you pay for records—if you’re impatient, you're far more likely to overspend. “Always have a shortlist of artists or albums before heading to the store," says Inki Hong, founder of Recordbuilds. "Without a plan, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and overspend on random finds that don’t add much to your collection."

Shop Online Record Groups

Shopping for records on eBay and Amazon will only get you so far, and finding truly rare vinyl requires a deeper dive into online record culture. Search for record groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit. You’ll be able to quickly connect with other collectors who share your excitement and passion for vinyl, says Matthew Coats, owner of Big Dawg Records. There, you can engage with other people who are looking to buy, sell, and trade, often at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Visit Local Record Stores

Record stores are a treasure trove of new releases and secondhand finds. When you get to your local shop, make a beeline for the new arrivals boxes in the pre-loved section. “This is the fresh meat that's just in off the street and hasn’t been picked through,” says Coates. Sometimes these new arrivals won’t even have price tags on them yet, increasing your chances to score a bargain.

Condition Is Key

The condition of a record is one of the most important factors influencing its value. Always check both the vinyl and the sleeve, says Hong. Shallow scratches aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but you’ll want to avoid investing in records with wraps and deep scratches, even if the title is hard to come by. Keep an eye out for signs that a record has been properly stored, like clean edges and minimal dust.

Check Out Estate Sales

Sometimes the best records are hiding in plain sight at estate sales, where many collectors might not even think to look. Shopping at these sales requires a bit of patience, as you'll be digging through boxes or shelves—but sometimes it really pays off. “What’s great about estate sales is that most times the folks are trying to liquidate everything, and they may have no idea what their records are actually worth,” says Coates. Once in a while, you’ll find an excellent collection in great condition, and it’s like hitting the jackpot.

In Person for Fillers, Online for Premium

While you may very well find rare vinyl at a record store or secondhand store, chances are you’re more likely to find particularly special ones online, rather than in person. Of course, there's still value to going to a physical store. Hong generally advises shopping for collection fillers—or records that you love but aren’t rare—in person, since they'll be relatively inexpensive.

Ask Friends and Family

Never underestimate the power of asking, especially when it comes to your nearest and dearest. When searching for rare vinyl, Coates recommends reaching out to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and any other family and friends who might have a stash of old records lying around, . Ask if you can dig through them—you may be surprised by what you find!

Attend Record Shows

Avid collectors know that attending record shows is one of the best ways to find really special, rare offerings. There are countless record shows that happen all around the country, ranging in size from small to huge. According to Coates, they're among the best places to track down rarities that you can’t seem to find elsewhere. Record shows often feature serious collectors who want to unload duplicate or unwanted items, sometimes for bargain prices.